Britain and Israel Announce Agreement on Rank of Their Diplomatic Representatives

May 15, 1949

L0NLON (May. 13)

The British Foreign Office and the Israeli mission in London jointly announced today agreement to raise the status of their diplomats. representatives in London and Tel Aviv to the rank of duly accredited ministers and that of their offices to legations.

This move does not involve extension of de jure recognition of Israel by Britain, the announcement made clear. On this question the joint communique stated: The two governments have not discussed any change in the present basis of relationship Between the two countries. The new status is expected to facilitate the work of the respective representatives.”

Dr, M. Eliash, the Israeli representative who is now accredited as minister, will soon present his credentials to the King, it was learned today. Alexander Ehex Helm, British minister-designate, is leaving by air tomorrow for Tel Aviv where he is due to arrive on Tuesday.

The unprecedented procedure by which ministers are exchanged under de facto recognition my, it was said here, delay formal action by Britain in granting Israel de jure recognition but British action is not expected to lag far behind that of France, Relationships with Israel are known to have been one point of consultation within the Permanent Commission of the Western Union.